Posted by Mistermindmasta on December 20, 2006, at 11:21:17
In reply to Re: A difft view, posted by linkadge on December 19, 2006, at 9:47:28
> Coffee can really calm some people down too. If I have a cup of coffee, I take a deep breath out. I'd tend to think that it doesn't increase cortisol in those who find it relaxing.
I think the relaxing effect is directly due to increased dopamine in the nucleus accumbens and the striatal region of the brain. It can still simultaneously and, as far as the studies I've read, constistantly raise cortisol levels dose dependently.
Cortisol does not necessarily need to lead to immediate feelings of depression and stress... I believe it's the secondary effects of cortisol such as lower DHEA, increased serotonin reuptake, lowered DA output that lead to the negative connotations associated with caffeine.
Thus, too much caffeine can provide more downsides than benefits as a result of, among other things, excessively raised cortisol levels. However, lower doses can indeed provide benefits and be relaxing.
poster:Mistermindmasta
thread:712892
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20061218/msgs/715212.html